Virtual Colonoscopy Works for Older Folks Too

Time to catch up on some colorectal cancer news that we might have missed.

In Nutshell News: Virtual colonoscopy works just as well for over 65’s, over-the-counter and prescription stomach acid is connected to c. difficile diarrhea, and the recession cut into colorectal cancer screening among people with health insurance.

Older adults benefit from CT Colonography

CT colonography, so-called virtual colonoscopy, uses x-ray images to look into the colon. In the National CT Colonoscopy trial it was was as good at finding large polyps and cancers as optical colonoscopy. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) doesn’t cover the test, citing lack of evidence that it works for older adults.

During the recent economic recession in the US, there were half a million fewer screening colonoscopies for patients with health insurance aged 50 to 64. The need to share costs through deductibles and copays appears to be part of the reason.

From December 2007 through November 2009, 500,000 fewer screening colonoscopies were done for patients with commercial insurance compared to the previous two years. Health plans with out-of-pocket costs over $300 had lower screening rates both before and during the recession. The recession had a smaller impact on plans with the lowest out-of-pocket requirements.